In a whirlwind of cost-cutting moves this offseason, the Boston Celtics have been reshaping their roster with surgical precision, slashing over $300 million in projected salary and luxury tax burdens. As president of basketball operations Brad Stevens works to finalize the team’s training camp roster for the 2025-26 NBA season, the franchise made another surprising move on Monday, waiving second-year forward Miles Norris—a player they signed to a two-way contract just six months ago.
The announcement, shared via the Celtics’ official social media channels, marks the end of Norris’ brief stint with the storied franchise. In his three regular-season appearances during the 2024-25 campaign, the 6-foot-7 forward averaged a modest 2.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game. While his contributions were limited, the decision to cut Norris so soon after signing him has raised eyebrows across the NBA landscape, leaving fans and analysts questioning the Celtics’ long-term vision.
Norris, a 25-year-old forward, joined Boston mid-season in 2024-25 after honing his skills with the Memphis Hustle in the G League. A four-year college standout, Norris began his collegiate career with the Oregon Ducks before transferring to UC-Santa Barbara, where he earned Second Team All-Big West honors as a senior. His versatility and athleticism made him an intriguing prospect for a Celtics team known for developing raw talent into key contributors.
However, with the team’s roster now trimmed to 17 players, Norris became the latest casualty of Boston’s aggressive cost-cutting strategy. The Celtics can carry up to 21 players into training camp but must reduce the roster to 15 before the regular season begins. With the clock ticking, Stevens’ front office is clearly prioritizing flexibility as they navigate a pivotal offseason.
We have waived Miles Norris.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) August 10, 2025
The Celtics’ roster overhaul comes at a critical juncture. With superstar Jayson Tatum likely sidelined for the 2025-26 season as he recovers from Achilles surgery, and several veteran players already shipped out, Boston is in uncharted territory. The departure of key contributors has opened the door for new opportunities, making the Celtics an attractive destination for undrafted free agents and veterans eager to prove themselves.
As training camp approaches in late September, the NBA world is watching closely to see how Stevens fills the remaining roster spots. Will the Celtics take a chance on unproven rookies, or will they target seasoned players to bolster their depth? One thing is certain: Norris won’t be among those vying for a spot on the practice floor this fall.
The decision to waive Norris, while surprising, underscores the ruthless efficiency of Boston’s front office as they balance financial constraints with championship aspirations. With millions in savings already secured, Stevens is playing a high-stakes game of roster chess, positioning the Celtics for both immediate competitiveness and long-term success.
As the countdown to the 2025-26 season continues, all eyes will be on Boston to see who emerges as the next piece of their evolving puzzle. For now, Miles Norris’ departure serves as a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of opportunity in the NBA—and the Celtics’ unrelenting pursuit of a roster ready to contend.